How the colour of your car can affect safety, theft risk and insurance

702's Gugs Mhlungu spoke to resident motoring enthusiast, Warren Tucker.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.

Did you know that the colour of your car can affect your safety and your finances?

When buying a car, many drivers go with what looks good, but the colour of your vehicle could have far more serious implications than just style.

According to Tucker, colour can affect both your visibility on the road and your wallet. 

He adds that darker shades often cost more to insure due to their higher accident risk.

"Black cars are 47% more likely to be involved in an accident."

- Warren Tucker, Motoring Enthusiast

Tucker explains that colours like black, red, brown, grey and navy blue are harder to see in poor lighting, increasing the chance of collisions. 

In contrast, white and yellow vehicles are far more visible and often safer.

"Your safest bet is basically a white car or a bright yellow vehicle. Or if they did make them that highlighted green, you know, everybody would see you and nobody would want to drive into you."

- Warren Tucker, Motoring Enthusiast

Colour also plays a role in car theft.

"...based on the information and the data that's out there, your blacks, your blues, your silvers, your greys, those tend to be the colours that are most stolen."

- Warren Tucker, Motoring Enthusiast

Tucker also shares a few practical tips for picking and maintaining the right colour:

• Choose high-visibility colours like white and yellow to reduce accident risk.
• Factor colour into insurance costs as dark vehicles can cost significantly more.
• Avoid rare or custom colours unless you're prepared for expensive or difficult paint repairs.
• Don’t wash your car with dishwashing liquid; use proper car shampoo to protect paintwork.
• Maintain the finish with monthly waxing to protect against sun damage and fading.

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation